A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Linux on Windows Using WSL

Have you ever wondered how to harness the power of Linux while still using Windows? The good news is you don’t have to choose between the two. With the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), you can easily install Linux on Windows using WSL. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to install Ubuntu or Kali Linux on Windows 11 using WSL 2, even if you’re a beginner.

Installing Linux using WSL on a Windows machine.

Understanding WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

WSL is a feature in Windows 10 and 11, enabling you to run Linux environments directly on your Windows system. This is perfect for developers, system admins, and hobbyists who want to explore Linux without complex setups.

With WSL, you can access Linux command-line tools, applications, and distributions like Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali Linux. For example, as of 2023, WSL 2 offers improved performance and compatibility, making it a fantastic choice for running Linux.

A diagram illustrating the integration of WSL with Windows and Linux.

Enabling the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature is the first step toward setting up WSL 2 for beginners. This makes it easy to run Linux commands on Windows without dual-booting.

Step 1: Enable WSL

Before installing a Linux distribution, you need to enable WSL on your Windows system. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings: Click the Start menu and select the gear icon.

   
   

2. Go to Apps & Features: Find the Apps section in the Settings window.

   
   

3. Click on Optional Features: Look for Optional Features and click on it.

   
   

4. Add a Feature: Click on the option to Add a feature.

   
   

5. Search for Windows Subsystem for Linux: Type "Windows Subsystem for Linux" in the search bar.

   
   

6. Click Install: Once found, select it and click Install.

   
   

7. Restart Your Computer: Restarting completes the installation process.

   
   

Enabling WSL sets the stage for a smooth Linux experience on Windows.

Step 2: Install a Linux Distribution

You can install your preferred distribution — whether you want to install Ubuntu on Windows 11 using WSL or install Kali Linux on Windows 10 with WSL 2 — directly through PowerShell or the Microsoft Store.

Using PowerShell:

1. Open PowerShell as an Administrator: Right-click the Start menu and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”

2. Type the Following Command: Enter the command below and press Enter:

   
   
   
   

wsl --install -d Ubuntu

1. 
   

   You can swap "Ubuntu" for other distributions like “Debian” or “Kali Linux.”

   
   

Using Microsoft Store:

1. Open the Microsoft Store: Find the "Microsoft Store" in the Start menu.

   
   

2. Search for Your Desired Distribution: Enter the name of your preferred Linux distribution in the search bar.

   
   

3. Install the Distribution: Click install, and it will download and install like any other Windows app.

   
   

Listing of various Linux distributions available in the Microsoft Store.

Step 3: Launch Your Linux Distribution

After installation is complete, you can launch your Linux distribution easily.

1. Open the Start Menu: Click the Start menu again.

   
   

2. Search for Your Chosen Distribution: Type the name of the installed Linux distribution.

   
   

3. Launch It: Click to start using Linux.

   
   

Once installed, you can update and upgrade Linux in WSL to keep your setup secure and optimized. Developers often compare WSL 2 vs Virtual Machine performance to decide which setup works best for them.

Additional Tips

You can enhance your Linux experience with these handy tips.

Update Your Distribution Regularly

To keep your Linux distribution secure and up-to-date, run this command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

By doing this regularly, you ensure you get the latest security patches and features.

Install Software Easily

WSL allows you to install various applications quickly. For instance, if you use Ubuntu, try adding software with the `apt` package manager:

sudo apt install <package_name>

This allows you to customize your environment, ensuring you have the necessary tools at your fingertips.

Explore WSL Features

After you become comfortable, explore advanced features such as:

File Sharing: Easily interact with files from your Windows system using Linux commands.

Network Configuration: Set custom network settings for your Linux environment.

GPU Support: Take advantage of your GPU for demanding graphical tasks with some Linux distributions.

Wrapping Up

Whether you’re setting up WSL for development or simply curious about Linux, following this Windows Subsystem for Linux installation guide ensures a smooth experience. If you ever face issues, check out our next post on fixing WSL installation errors in Windows 11.

Whether you are a developer seeking a Linux-based environment or a curious individual wanting to learn, WSL is an excellent entry point into Linux.

If you are looking for a more traditional Linux experience or have advanced needs, you might consider dual-booting or using a virtual machine. However, WSL is a quick and effective solution for most users.

Jump in and start exploring the powerful world of Linux on your Windows machine today!